Power Control for Battery Powered Personal Area Network Device System and Method

ABSTRACT

A system and method for managing wireless earpieces. Circuitry of the wireless earpieces are powered utilizing a high power mode in response to detecting a magnetic field is not applied to one or more of the wireless earpieces. The power sent to the circuitry of the wireless earpieces is altered to a low power mode in response to detecting the magnetic field is applied to one or more of the wireless earpieces.

PRIORITY STATEMENT

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/245,031, filed Aug. 23, 2016, and now U.S. Pat. No. 9,843,853 whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/211,767,filed Aug. 29, 2015, all of which are hereby incorporated by referencein their entireties.

BACKGROUND I. Field of the Disclosure

The present invention relates to wireless electronics and batterysystems. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present inventionrelates to wireless earpieces that manage and extend battery life.

II. Description of the Art

The growth of wearable devices is increasing exponentially. This growthis fostered by the decreasing sizes of microprocessors, circuit boards,chips, and other components. Wearable devices are necessarily dependentupon their batteries in order to complete their desired function. Theoverall utility of wearable devices is directly proportional to thebattery life of the devices. If the battery life is poor, the userinterface and user experiences suffers as too much time and attentionare required for retrieving the device, recharging or replacing thebattery, and repositioning the wearable device. Operation andconservation of the battery life of the wearable device may be furthercomplicated if the there is no inclusion of an on/off button or switchto conserve precious battery life.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The illustrative embodiments provide a system and method for managingwireless earpieces. Circuitry of the wireless earpieces are poweredutilizing a high power mode in response to detecting a magnetic field isnot applied to one or more of the wireless earpieces. The power sent tothe circuitry of the wireless earpieces is altered to a low power modein response to detecting the magnetic field is applied to one or more ofthe wireless earpieces.

Another embodiment provides a wireless earpiece. The wireless earpieceincludes circuitry for operating the wireless earpiece. The wirelessearpiece also includes a battery for powering the circuitry of thewireless earpiece. The wireless earpiece further includes a reed switchconnecting the battery to the circuitry. The reed switch connects thecircuitry to the battery when a magnetic field is not detected. The reedswitch disconnects the circuitry from the battery when a magnetic fieldis detected.

Yet another embodiment provides a wireless earpiece comprising aprocessor for executing a set of instructions and a memory for storingthe set of instructions. The set of instructions are executed to powercircuitry of the wireless earpiece in a high power mode utilizing anonboard battery in response to a reed switch not detecting a magneticfield and powering the circuitry to a low power mode in response todetecting the magnetic field is applied to the reed switch.

According to another aspect, a smart case including a smart casehousing, a first receptacle for receiving a left earpiece disposedwithin the smart case housing, a second receptacle for receiving a rightearpiece disposed within the smart case housing, and a first interfaceassociated with the first receptacle for electrically connecting thesmart case to the left earpiece. The smart case further includes asecond interface associated with the second receptacle for electricallyconnecting the smart case to the right earpiece, and an intelligentcontrol disposed within the smart case housing and operatively connectedto the first interface and the second interface. The smart case mayinclude at least one manual input operatively connected to theintelligent control. The smart case may include at least one displayoperatively connected to the intelligent control. The smart case mayinclude a display that is moveably connected to the smart case housingsuch that the display transitions from a first position to a secondposition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrated embodiments of the present invention are described in detailbelow with reference to the attached drawing figures, which areincorporated by reference herein, and where:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a smart case and wirelessearpieces in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the smart case of FIG. 1 in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the smart case of FIG. 1 in accordance with anillustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a smart case in accordance with anillustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for utilizing wireless earpieces witha smart case in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The illustrative embodiments provide a system, method, and wirelessearpieces for managing and preserving battery life. The wirelessearpieces may interact with a smart case to perform various actions. Forexample, the smart case may be utilized to preserve the battery life ofthe wireless earpieces by interacting with the wireless earpieces whilein a low power mode or state. In addition, the smart cases may ensurethat the wireless earpieces are charged to a desired level. Charging maybe performed utilizing contact or wirelessly (e.g., inductive charging).The smart case may communicate with the wireless earpieces throughphysical interactions (e.g., magnetic contact points, physical switches,etc.) or through wireless connections, standards, or protocols (e.g.,near field communications, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). The wirelessearpieces may upload, synchronize, or store biometric and performancedata associated with the wireless earpieces and/or associated user tothe smart case.

In one embodiment, a reed switch may be utilized in the wirelessearpieces to activate and deactivate each of the wireless earpieces. Thereed switch is an electrical switch operated by an applied magneticfield. The magnetic field may be provided by a magnet of the smart casethereby turning the wireless earpieces on and off. The integration ofthe reed switches in the wireless earpieces may reduce the need forcostly device components or interfaces. As a result, the weight andfootprint of the wireless earpieces may be reduced significantly whileincreasing the ease of use for the users of the wireless earpieces.

Turning now to FIGS. 1-3, these figures show a pictorial representationof a smart case 102 and wireless earpieces 142, 144 in accordance withan illustrative embodiment. The smart case 102 may be an open orenclosed case for securing, charging, and managing the wirelessearpieces 142, 144. The wireless earpieces 142, 144 may be referred toas a pair (wireless earpieces) or singularly (wireless earpiece). Thedescription may also refer to components and functionality of each ofthe wireless earpieces 142, 144 collectively or individually. In oneembodiment, the wireless earpieces 142, 144 include a set of left andright ear pieces configured to fit into a user's ears. The wirelessearpieces 142, 144 may be configured to play music or audio, receive andmake phone calls or other communications, read user biometrics andactions (e.g., heart rate, motion, sleeping, etc.).

In another embodiment, the wireless earpieces 142, 144 may representwireless devices that may be ingested or implanted into a user. Forexample, the smart case 102 may be configured to work with an endoscopicpill, pacemaker, tracking device, contact lenses, oral implants, boneimplants, artificial organs, or so forth. The smart case 102 may act asa logging tool for receiving information, data, or measurements made bythe wireless devices. For example, the smart case 102 may be attached toa belt or worn by the user to download data from the wireless device(s)in real-time. As a result, the smart case 102 may be utilized to store,charge, and synchronize data for the wireless earpieces 142, 144 in anynumber of embodiments.

The smart case 102 encloses a battery, and various other circuitry (notshown). The battery of the smart case 102 may be utilized to charge thewireless earpieces 142, 144 through direct contact or wirelessly. As aresult, the smart case 102 may act as a custom charger for ensuring theproper power management and functionality of the wireless earpieces 142,144. For example, the battery of the smart case 102 may be utilized tocharge the wireless earpieces 142, 144 any number of times before thesmart case 102 and corresponding battery may require charging. In oneembodiment, the smart case 102 may include one or more solar panels, orsurfaces configured to charge the smart case 102 utilizing ambient ordirect sunlight. The smart case 102 ensures that the duty cycle of thewireless earpieces 142, 144 are maximized by properly maintaining powerlevels. For example, the smart case 102 may keep the wireless earpieces142, 144 fully charged during a time period of inactivity, such asbefore being purchased (e.g., on a shelf or as part of inventory) oronce purchased.

In one embodiment, the smart case 102 include a frame 103. The frame 103is a support structure for the components of the smart case 102 and maybe formed of a rigid plastic, polymer, or other similar material.However, any number of other suitable materials, such as composites,rubber, wood, metal, or so forth, may be utilized. The frame 103 definesreceptacles 104, 106 that are configured to receive the wirelessearpieces 142, 144, respectively. In one embodiment, the receptacles104, 106 are shaped to fit the external size, shape, and configurationof the wireless earpieces 142, 144.

As a result, an interference fit may secure the wireless earpieces 142,144 within the frame 103 while the smart case 102 is being moved orotherwise utilized. In one embodiment, the smart case 102 may include ahinged, magnetic, sleeve, or snap on lid or cover that may cover thewireless earpieces 142, 144 when positioned within the receptacles 104,106 of the smart case 102. For example, the cover may make the smartcase 102 waterproof and further secure the wireless earpieces 142, 144.In another embodiment, the smart case 102 may also include a removablecover (e.g., neoprene, zip up, snapping, etc.). In yet anotherembodiment, the cover encases a screen, such as a touch screen. Thescreen may roll, bend or adapt to the shape and configuration of thesmart case 102. The touch screen may also be transparent. The screen maybe movably connected to the to the smart case to transition from a firstposition to a second position by sliding, gliding or through othermovement.

The smart case includes interfaces 108, 110 within the receptacles 104,106. The interfaces 108, 110 are hardware interfaces for electricallyconnecting the wireless earpieces 142, 144 to the smart case 102. Theinterfaces 108, 110 may include any number of contact points, busses,wires, or other physical connectors for interfacing the wirelessearpieces 142, 144, with the smart case 102. The interfaces 108, 110 mayalternatively include inductive chargers for charging the wirelessearpieces 142, 144. In one embodiment, the interfaces 108, 110 aremagnetic for automatically coupling with contact points or interfaces ofthe wireless earpieces 142, 144. In another embodiment, the interfaces108, 110 may represent male (or alternatively female) connectors forinterfacing with the wireless earpieces 142, 144, such as micro-USB, orother developing miniature external connectors. The interfaces 108, 110may be utilized to charge the wireless earpieces 142, 144. Wirelesscharging is also contemplated utilizing an inductive charger integratedin the smart case 102 or other charging devices compatible with thewireless earpieces 142, 144. The interfaces 108, 110 may also beutilized to synchronize data between the wireless earpieces 142, 144.

In one embodiment, the interfaces 108, 110 may each include a magnetthat activates the corresponding reed switch (i.e., reed switch 146described below) to power off or initiate a low power mode (e.g., lowerpower state or mode) for one or both of the wireless earpieces 142, 144when one or more of the wireless earpieces 142, 144 are placed withinthe receptacles 104, 106. In another embodiment, the wireless earpieces142, 144 and the smart case 102 may interact to control a device resetfunction. For example, the wireless earpieces 142, 144 may synchronizecaptured data with the smart case 102 before moving to a low power modein anticipation of being charged. A switch may be activatedmechanically, magnetically, inductively, electrically, or wirelessly tomove the wireless earpieces 142, 144 to a low power mode in anticipationof being charged. Control of the wireless earpieces 142, 144 may beindependent for each of the wireless earpieces 142, 144, subject tocontrol one of the wireless earpieces designated as a master device,controlled by the smart case, or may be shared between devices.

The smart case 102 may also include a port 112. The port 112 may beutilized to interface with the smart case 102. For example, the port 112may be utilized with a connector to charge the battery of the smart case102. The port 112 may also be utilized to download or upload data storedby the smart case 102 that may have previously been stored in thewireless earpieces 142, 144. The port 112 may be a miniaturized port,such as USB Type C, micro-USB, or other miniaturized port suitable forconnecting to another electronic device, such as a wall charger, desktopcomputer, laptop, or wireless device (e.g., smart phone, tablet, etc.).In another embodiment, the smart case 102 may include a dedicated portfor charging, such as for receiving a male direct-current (DC)connector.

In one embodiment, the interfaces, 108, 110 or another portion of thesmart case 102 as well as the wireless earpieces 142, 144 may include anear field communication (NFC) chip for communications. For example,NFCs may be utilized to determine the wireless earpieces 142, 144 areproximate the smart case 102 for performing power management as isherein described. NFC may also be utilized to identify the wirelessearpieces 142, 144 associated with a particular smart case 102. In otherembodiments, different communications protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi,etc.), standards, or passive readers (e.g., radio frequencyidentification tags, etc.) may be utilized for the wireless earpieces142, 144 to communicate with the smart case 102. For example, thewireless earpieces 142, 144 may initiate a change in a power state inresponse to being placed in or near the smart case 102. The smart case102 may be programmed with a threshold distance (e.g., 10 cm, 1 foot,etc.) to determine when the wireless earpieces 142, 144 are proximatethe smart case 102 or may rely on the inherent maximum communicationsdistances of the wireless standard or protocol being utilized (e.g.,NFC, RFID, etc.). In another embodiment, biometric readings, such asheart beat or temperature may be utilized by the wireless earpieces 142,144 and smart case 102 to alter the power mode or status of the wirelessearpieces 142, 144, as well as the smart case 102 (e.g., may be placedin a low power mode). For example, if the wireless earpieces 142, 144are near the smart case 102 and no heart beat is detected, the smartcase 102 may send a command for the wireless earpieces 142, 144 to shutthemselves down or enter a low power mode with minimum functionality. Inone embodiment, power to onboard sensory arrays may be terminated andonly essential functions remain on. For example, in the low power modeallows charging of the wireless earpieces 142, 144 and/or smart case 102and uploads/downloads to the wireless earpieces 142, 144 while in thelow power mode.

The wireless earpieces 142, 144 may each include a reed switch 146. Thereed switch 146 may operate in a closed mode 148 when no magnetic fieldis present or in an open mode 150 when a magnetic field is present. Themagnetic field may be supplied by one or more magnets of the smart case,such as magnet 114. As a result, the reed switch 146 may be in theclosed mode 148 when outside the smart case 102 and in the open mode 150when in the smart case 102.

In one embodiment, the magnet 114 may be integrated in a sidewall of thereceptacle 104. Each of the receptacles 104, 106 may include magnets forthe wireless earpieces 142, 144. As a result, proximity to the magnet114 and reed switch 146 may engage the reed switch 146 to the open mode150. As a result, the wireless earpiece 142 may be charged by the smartcase. Removal of the wireless earpiece 142 disengages the reed switch146 resulting in the wireless earpiece 142 functioning under its ownpower.

In another embodiment, the magnet 114 may be integrated in the interface108. For example, the interface 108 may include magnetic contacts thatengage the reed switch 146. The reed switch 146 may be positionedanywhere on or within the wireless earpiece 142. Similarly, the magnet114 may be positioned anywhere within the smart case 102 (or integratedwith any component) that allows the magnet 114 to interact with the reedswitch 146 when the wireless earpiece 142 is seated within thereceptacle 104. The case may have at least one button 119 or othermanual input. The button may be touch sensitive, lighted, or mechanical.There also may be a light such as a LED in that location.

In another embodiment, each of the wireless earpieces 142, 144 mayinclude a magnet so that the wireless earpieces 142, 144 may bepositioned together to turn off the wireless earpieces 142, 144 when notin use. For example, the magnets and reed switches may be positioned tosimultaneously deactivate the wireless earpieces 142, 144. The magnetsmay also serve another purpose in allowing the wireless earpieces 142,144 to be stuck to metal objects (e.g., desk, refrigerator, decorations,etc.) when not in use to prevent the wireless earpieces 142, 144 frombeing dropped or lost.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a smart case 402 in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a wireless environment 400 inwhich wireless earpieces 401 communicate with and are stored within thesmart case 402. The smart case 402 may have any number of configurationsand include various circuitry, connections, and other components. Thesmart case 402 is one potential embodiment of the smart case 102 ofFIGS. 1-3.

In one embodiment, the smart case 402 may include a battery 404, a logicengine 406, a memory 408, interfaces 410, 411, a transceiver 412, and amagnet 414. The battery 404 is a power storage device configured tocharge the power storage system of the wireless earpieces 401 once ormultiple times. In other embodiments, the battery 404 as well as thebatteries of the wireless earpieces 401 may represent a fuel cell,thermal electric generator, piezo electric charger, solar charger,ultra-capacitor, or other existing or developing power storagetechnologies.

In another embodiment, the smart case 402 may include a touch interfaceor display. The touch interface may indicate the status of the smartcase 402. For example, a light may indicate the battery status of thesmart case 402 as well as connected wireless earpieces 401,download/synchronization status (e.g., synchronizing, complete, lastsynchronization, etc.), or other similar information.

The battery 404 may itself be charged through an interface 410. Theinterface 410 is a hardware interface for connecting the smart case to apower supply or other electronic device. The interfaces 410 may beutilized for charging as well as communications with externallyconnected devices. For example, the interface 410 may represent amini-USB, micro-USB or other similar miniature standard connector.

The interface 411 is hardware interface for connecting and communicatingwith the wireless earpieces 401. The interface 411 may include anynumber of pins, arms, or connectors for electrically interfacing withthe contacts or other interface components of the wireless earpieces401. In one embodiment, the interface 411 is a magnetic interface thatautomatically couples to contacts or an interface of the wirelessearpieces 401. In another embodiment, the interface 411 may include awireless inductor for charging the wireless earpieces 401 without aphysical connection.

The logic engine 406 is the logic that controls the operation andfunctionality of the smart case 402. The logic engine 406 may includecircuitry, chips, and other digital logic. The logic engine 406 may alsoinclude programs, scripts, and instructions that may be implemented tooperate the logic engine 406. The logic engine 406 may representhardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. In oneembodiment, the logic engine 406 may include one or more processors,such as microprocessors. The logic engine 406 may also represent anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field programmablegate array (FPGA).

For example, a processor included in the logic engine 406 is circuitryor logic enabled to control execution of a set of instructions. Theprocessor may be one or more microprocessors, digital signal processors,application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), central processingunits, or other devices suitable for controlling an electronic deviceincluding one or more hardware and software elements, executingsoftware, instructions, programs, and applications, converting andprocessing signals and information, and performing other related tasks.The processor may also manage transmission and reception of audio anddata, GPS information, wireless LAN, GSM, or LTE, SIM or data cards, orso forth. The processor may be a single chip or integrated with othercomputing or communications elements of the smart case 402.

The memory 408 is a hardware element, device, or recording mediaconfigured to store data for subsequent retrieval or access at a latertime. The memory 408 may be static or dynamic memory. The memory 408 mayinclude a hard disk, random access memory, quantum computing drive,cache, removable media drive, mass storage, or configuration suitable asstorage for data, instructions, and information. In one embodiment, thememory 408 and the logic engine 406 may be integrated. The memory mayuse any type of volatile or non-volatile storage techniques and mediums.The memory 408 may store information related to the status of the smartcase 402 as well as the wireless earpieces 401.

The transceiver 412 is a component comprising both a transmitter andreceiver which may be combined and share common circuitry on a singlehousing. The transceiver 412 may communicate utilizing Bluetooth, Wi-Fi,ZigBee, ANT+, near field communications, wireless USB, infrared, mobilebody area networks, ultra-wideband communications, cellular or othersuitable radio frequency standards, networks, protocols, orcommunications. The transceiver 412 may also be a hybrid transceiverthat supports a number of different communications. For example, thetransceiver 412 may communicate with the wireless earpieces 401utilizing NFC or various Bluetooth communications.

The components of the smart case 402 may be a multi-layer printedcircuitry board (PCB) electrically connected utilizing any number ofwires, contact points, leads, busses, wireless interfaces, or so forth.In addition, the smart case 402 may include any number of computing andcommunications components, devices or elements which may include busses,motherboards, circuits, ports, interfaces, cards, converters, adapters,connections, transceivers, displays, antennas, and other similarcomponents.

Although not specifically shown, the smart case 402 may communicate withany number of other networks or devices to log information. For example,the smart case 402 may access a portal to store information related tothe data acquired by the wireless earpieces 401 and/or smart case 402.The portal may be a web site that functions as a central point of accessto information on the Internet or an intranet. The portal may beaccessed from any computing or communications system or device enabledto communicate through a network connection. For example, informationaccessed by the portal may be stored on a server and an associateddatabase. In another embodiment, the smart case 402 may include a portfor receiving a data or communication card (e.g., SIM card, micro SDcard, etc.). The data or communications cards may be utilized to storeinformation and may be utilized for data communications.

The wireless earpieces 401 may include components similar to those shownfor the smart case 402 that are miniaturized and compacted to fit withinthe three dimensional footprint of the wireless earpieces 401. Althoughnot shown, the wireless earpieces 401 may include circuitry foroperating the device including a logic engine (e.g., microprocessor),memory, and transceiver all of which are powered by an onboard battery.

In one embodiment, the wireless earpieces 401 may each include a reedswitch 416. The reed switch 416 may initiate a low power mode of thewireless earpieces 402 when activated (e.g., opened) by the magnet 414of the smart case 402. As a result, the wireless earpieces 401 may moveto a lower power mode when positioned within the smart case 402.Similarly, the reed switch 416 may initiate a self-power (or high power)mode when deactivated (e.g., closed) by the magnet 414 of the smart case402. During the low power mode, the wireless earpieces 401 maysynchronize data with the memory 408 of the smart case 402. In addition,the wireless earpieces may perform maintenance of a real-time clock andmaintain other essential onboard software programs. The wirelessearpieces 401 may also perform hardware and software verification uponmoving to or from a high power mode to ensure proper operation of thewireless earpieces 401. In another embodiment, activation of the reedswitch 416 by the magnet 414 may move the wireless earpieces 401 totheir lowest power mode during which minimal required functions may beperformed (e.g., software updates, data synchronization, clock updates,etc.). As a result, the wireless earpieces 416 may be fully activatedand ready for use when positioned in a user's ears. The reed switch 416allows precise initiation and deactivation of the onboard battery inorder to maintain optimal levels of onboard power.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for utilizing a wireless earpieceswith a smart case in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In oneembodiment, the processes of FIG. 5 may be implemented by one or morewireless earpieces interfacing or coupling with a smart case. The smartcase may interact with the wireless earpieces individually or as a unit.In one example, the smart case may only interact with a master earpiecewith subsequent control signals and commands relayed by the masterwireless earpiece to the slave or subservient wireless earpiece.

In one embodiment, the process may begin with the wireless earpiecedetermining whether a magnetic field is present (step 502). In oneembodiment, the determination of step 502 may be made based on theinteraction of a magnet (or magnetic field) with a reed switch of thewireless earpiece. In another embodiment, logic or a processor may alsobe utilized to determine if the magnetic field is present. The magnetmay be a permanent magnet, electromagnet, temporary, or hybrid magnet.

If the magnetic field is not present, the wireless earpiece remainspowered on as the reed switch remains closed (step 504). When the reedswitch is closed the onboard battery of the wireless earpiece powers andoperates the wireless earpiece to ensure full functionality. In oneembodiment, if the wireless earpieces has gone from detecting themagnetic field to not detecting the magnetic field (e.g., wirelessearpieces was removed from the smart case), a startup process for thewireless earpiece may be initiated. For example, the battery may powerthe circuitry of the wireless earpiece executing a boot up program andpreparing the wireless earpiece for operation.

Next, the wireless earpiece operates utilizing the onboard battery (step506). During step 504, the wireless earpiece operates normally with theonboard battery powering the circuitry and components of the wirelessearpiece. For example, the wireless earpiece may communicate withanother electronic device, such as a cell phone, laptop, gaming device,music player, or so forth, to make calls, play music or sounds, orotherwise interact. The wireless earpiece may continuously determinewhether the magnetic field is present.

If the magnetic field is determined to be present in step 502, the reedswitch is opened by the magnetic field (step 508). The reed switch isopened automatically based on its nature and configuration when themagnetic field is present. In one embodiment, the wireless earpiece maymove to a low power mode in order to preserve battery life when in thereed switch is activated potentially indicating that the wirelessearpiece is within the smart case. The wireless earpiece mayalternatively enter a reduced power mode, sleep, or other mode. Thewireless earpiece may also send a command or communication to the secondwireless earpiece to change power mode or otherwise act in response tothe reed switch being opened. In one embodiment, by moving the device toa low power mode, the wireless earpiece, the wireless earpiece isprepared to be charged. In another embodiment, the wireless earpiecesmay enter a low power mode in response to detecting proximity to thesmart case before entering a low power mode based on activation of thereed switch by a magnet of the smart case.

Next, the wireless earpiece couples to the smart case (step 510). Thecoupling of the smart case and the wireless earpiece may be based oncontact, proximity, or short-range wireless communications. The wirelessearpiece may connect to or link with the smart case utilizing points ofcontact, male and female connectors, or so forth. For example, magneticcontacts may be utilized between the smart case and wireless earpiece toprovide a physical interface. The wireless earpieces may utilizecontacts to preserve the waterproof nature of the wireless earpieces.During step 510, communications between the wireless earpiece and smartcase may also be initiated. For example, data from the wireless earpiecemay be synchronized to the smart case.

In another embodiment, the wireless earpiece may be detected wirelessly.For example, the wireless earpiece may be detected by the smart caseutilizing a NFC signal, radio frequency identification tag, or othershort range communications signal. In one embodiment, the wirelessearpiece may be required to be within a threshold distance (e.g., 10feet, 10 cm, etc.) to be detected by the smart case. Once the wirelessearpiece is proximate the smart case, the smart case may begin toimplement any number of actions for the wireless earpiece as well as thesmart case. For example, the wireless earpiece may begin a move to a lowpower mode in anticipation of being coupled to the smart case or mayenter a low power mode.

Next, the wireless earpiece charges the onboard battery based on powerprovided by the smart case (step 512). During step 512, the wirelessearpiece may determine whether a charge is required for the wirelessearpiece. For example, a charge threshold may be utilized by thebattery. If a charge is not required, the wireless earpiece does notreceive power from the smart case. In one embodiment, the wirelessearpiece may automatically charge the onboard battery in response todetermining the battery status is anything less than 95%. The wirelessearpiece may also charge the onboard battery in response to a designatedtime period elapsing, such as two days, to ensure the batteries arefully functional and kept at full capacity. Maintenance of the batteriesmay be particularly important when being stored after manufacturing,during a sales period, or during extended periods of non-use. Althoughreferred to as batteries, the batteries for each of the wirelessearpieces may represent ultra-capacitors, fuel cells, heat pump powergenerators, or other power storage or generation devices.

In another embodiment, during step 510 or 512 the wireless earpiece maydownload or synchronize data with the smart case. The data may includebiometric information (e.g., pulse rate, oxygenation, distancetravelled, calories burned, etc.), exercise information, commandsreceived, and other data logged by sensors (e.g., heart rate monitor,pulse oximeter, accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc.) of the wirelessearpiece or otherwise determined. The data may represent user data ordata about the performance of the wireless earpieces. In one embodiment,only new data gathered by the wireless earpieces may be synchronized tothe smart case. The data may also include medical information, such asblood measurements, voice data (e.g., jitter/shimmer rates),temperature, chemical levels (e.g., sodium, glucose, etc.), ambientenvironment information (e.g., temperature, altitude, barometricreadings, speed, etc.) captured audio or video, or so forth.

During any of steps 508-510, the wireless earpiece may enter a powersaver or low power mode. During the power saver mode the wirelessearpiece may utilize minimal power to maintain functionality and alertstatus of the wireless earpiece. For example, the wireless earpiece maybe configured to communicate with one or more other external devices,such as the smart case, another pair of wireless earpieces, mobiledevices, personal computers, routers, or so forth. Location data of theuser may be shared with other external devices and correspondingapplications. In the power saver mode the wireless earpiece minimizespower utilization while still exerting full control over the powerutilization, charging, and synchronization of the wireless earpieces.The low power mode maintains the earpieces with minimal functionality tocharge and synchronize data as well as other designated functions thatmay be set by user preferences, default, program updates from a centrallocation, or so forth. As a result, the battery of the wirelessearpieces may be maintained in an optimal state. In addition, thetransition from the low power mode to a high power mode may beimplemented upon detecting the wireless earpieces have been removed fromthe smart case.

The illustrative embodiments are not to be limited to the particularembodiments described herein. In particular, the illustrativeembodiments contemplate numerous variations in the type of ways in whichembodiments may be applied. The foregoing description has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to bean exhaustive list or limit any of the disclosure to the precise formsdisclosed. It is contemplated that other alternatives or exemplaryaspects are considered included in the disclosure. The description ismerely examples of embodiments, processes or methods of the invention.It is understood that any other modifications, substitutions, and/oradditions may be made, which are within the intended spirit and scope ofthe disclosure. For the foregoing, it can be seen that the disclosureaccomplishes at least all of the intended objectives.

The previous detailed description is of a small number of embodimentsfor implementing the invention and is not intended to be limiting inscope. The following claims set forth a number of the embodiments of theinvention disclosed with greater particularity.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for managing a wireless earpiece,comprising: powering circuitry of the wireless earpiece utilizing a lowpower mode in response to detecting a magnetic field is applied to thewireless earpiece; and altering the power sent to the circuitry of thewireless earpiece to a high power mode in response to detecting amagnetic field is not applied to one or more of the wireless earpieces.2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: operating the wirelessearpiece utilizing an onboard battery in response to detecting themagnetic field is not applied to the wireless earpiece.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: charging an onboard battery of the wirelessearpiece in response to detecting a magnetic field is applied to thewireless earpiece.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the magnetic fieldis applied by a magnet of a smart case configured to receive thewireless earpiece.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the magnetic fieldis detected by a reed switch of the wireless earpiece.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: coupling the wireless earpiece to a smartcase, wherein the smart case applies a magnetic field to the wirelessearpiece.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the magnetic field isdetected by a reed switch integrated in magnetic contacts that interfacewith a smart case for securing the wireless earpiece.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: synchronizing data between the wirelessearpiece and a smart case in response to detecting the magnetic field.9. The method of claim 1, wherein the low power mode is a power savermode.
 10. A system comprising: a left earpiece and a right earpiece eachof the left earpiece and the right earpiece comprising circuitryoperating the earpiece, a battery powering the circuitry operating theearpiece, and a reed switch connecting the battery to the circuitry,wherein the reed switch connects the circuitry to the battery when amagnetic field is not detected and wherein the reed switch disconnectsthe circuitry from the battery when a magnetic field is detected; asmart case housing for charging the left earpiece and the rightearpiece; a first receptacle for receiving the left earpiece disposedwithin the smart case housing; a second receptacle for receiving a rightearpiece disposed within the smart case housing; a first interfaceassociated with the first receptacle for electrically connecting thesmart case to the left earpiece; a second interface associated with thesecond receptacle for electrically connecting the smart case to theright earpiece; an intelligent control disposed within the smart casehousing and operatively connected to the first interface and the secondinterface.
 11. The system of claim 10 wherein the smart case furthercomprises a display.
 12. The system of claim 11 wherein the display ismoveably connected to the smart case to transition from a first positionto a second position.
 13. The system of claim 12 wherein the smart casefurther comprises at least one manual input for receiving user input toprovide additional functionality.